Jake Nett, a 2001 graduate from UW-Eau Claire said he has gone through the entire job search process offered by the Career Services department.

“I was glad to go through the process, because it helped me become an intern at the Harley Davidson Motor Company, and then be offered a full-time job,” Nett said.

Eau Claire students are in high demand for internship and job recruiters, the Career Services staff said.

In the midst of a 20 percent national decrease in campus job recruitment, 37 percent more employers than last year have posted positions with Eau Claire, said Jeanne Sinz Skoug, Career Services director.

Sinz Skoug said the challenging economy creates the desire for employers to choose carefully who they hire. Employers are seeking out Eau Claire students because they have an excellent reputation for being strong communicators and problem-solvers, skilled group workers yet independent and creative, she said.

Sinz Skoug said Eau Claire students are also known for having an exceptional work ethic.

Sharon Becker, career and employment coordinator, said recruitment has come from a wide variety of employers from museums, non-profit organizations, and government offices to health care and research facilities, as well as small and large businesses.

Eau Claire has held career fairs with over 200 employers, Becker said. She said employers are coming from areas that students want, like the Twin Cities.

Becker attributes the growth in available internships and jobs to interest in both the employer and the student’s part. She said employers seek interns because it is a good way for them to hire the best students, and students seek internships for a chance to become acquainted with different employers and careers.

Becker said that internships increase students’ chances to be hired full time, because approximately 70 to 80 percent of students who complete internships are offered full-time positions, and of those, 55 to 60 percent accept the jobs.

Internship and job positions are available to students with many majors, Sinz Skoug said.

Most students who graduate from Eau Claire will have at least one internship under their belts, Sinz Skoug said.

Students can start the job search process by registering on Blugold CareerLink, Sinz Skoug said.

“Students with internships – especially two or even three – tend to get higher job offers and better grades,” she said.

Nett said he recommends going through the Career Services job search process to any Eau Claire student.